Carter's book follows the peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians during his presidency in 1977-1980. He's critical of all players in not reaching a better accord, but he's especially critical of the Israelis. He previously told The Associated Press that Americans are rarely exposed to anything other than pro-Israeli views in the news media.

Koppell said Carter's word choice was "gratuitously provocative" and meant to add fuel to an already incendiary subject and sell more books.

"I don't really see the book as helpful," said Koppell, who has read it.

Carter met Tuesday with the rabbis' group for almost an hour, prayed with them and invited them to help him teach Sunday school.

Koppell said she was surprised that he spent so much time with them and felt he would try to be more balanced in the future.

Rabbi Ayla Grafstein of Scottsdale said it didn't matter what promises Carter made.

"In the end, he's not going to change what's in his book," Grafstein said.

Simon & Schuster said the book is in fourth printing, with 395,000 copies in print. Most of Carter's books have been best sellers. The latest is on The New York Times best seller list.